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Writer's pictureAdam Gaffen

Adam Interviews...Marissa Allen!


The logo for Adam Interviews: a hand holding a pen, superimposed over an old-fashioned typewriter

Hey everyone! I am beyond excited to sit down with the fabulous Marissa Allen, a dynamic voice in the world of sci-fi and fantasy with a flair for creating stories that resonate deeply with readers. Marissa is a full-time professional, juggling her day job while passionately crafting compelling narratives on the side. If you’re into superheroes, anime, or just a sucker for a good found family trope, then Marissa is your kindred spirit.

Her journey into the literary world has been nothing short of inspiring. From writing her first sci-fi series, The Blood Regent Trilogy, which started as a labor of love and culminated in an MFA thesis, to diving into a new superhero saga that's as much a love letter to anime as it is a thrilling adventure, Marissa's creativity knows no bounds. And let's not forget, she’s got a supportive family cheering her on—her husband, an artist in his own right, creates her book covers and even 3D prints cool merch for her fans. How awesome is that?

Marissa's enthusiasm for storytelling is infectious. She's all about making her characters feel real, grounded, and, most importantly, relatable. Whether it's creating a protagonist who’s the daughter of an infamous supervillain or spinning tales that merge the excitement of YA with the complexity of adulthood, Marissa's work is designed to keep you hooked from the first page to the last. And trust me, she’s just getting started!

So, buckle up and get ready to dive into Marissa Allen’s world—a place where found families thrive, superheroes redefine themselves, and every story is packed with heart, humor, and a bit of unexpected magic. Let’s get into it!


"A woman with vibrant purple hair styled in two space buns smiles at the camera. She is wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt with a peace sign and the word 'magic' printed on it. Behind her, there is an abstract painting with chalkboard-style drawings and equations, adding a creative and artistic vibe to the background."

Born Royal (book 1) Amazon https://a.co/d/3OddmfW

Made Immortal (Book 2) Amazon https://a.co/d/7V4RyIX

Become Legend (Book 3) Amazon https://a.co/d/4KKSNDe


Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Wars. I did enjoy the movies when I was a kid, but I have to say Dave Filoni is a genius and this new stuff is to die for. Ahsoka is my favorite character by far.


DCU or MCU?

DCU for animated, MCU for live-action.


Coffee, tea, or cacao?

Coffee for getting the day started, but Tea for when I’m writing.


What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

I work a full time job and write on the side so making sure to set aside time to write is important. I treat it a lot like a second job so I made sure to schedule time on nights and weekends. I do work it around my husband’s schedule as having family time is just as important. I don’t put a lot of pressure on myself but always working toward my goal helps keep me accountable.


"Cover of the book 'Born Royal' by Marissa Allen. The title is displayed in bold, distressed white text at the top against a dark cityscape background with glowing lights. Below the title, there is a large, ornate golden goblet adorned with red and blue gemstones, standing out vividly against a dark purple cloth. The author's name, Marissa Allen, is featured at the bottom in matching distressed white text."

Is there a trope you find yourself going back to in multiple works? Or one you avoid?

Found Family. Many of my main characters are neurotypical or going through something so I believe in showing a good support system. Plus it’s fun getting to have a great group of friends to banter with each other.


What does your family think of your writing?

My family is super supportive. My parents love being able to tell people I’m an author. I can talk over ideas with my husband. He is an artist and he makes my covers as well as is 3D printing some fun coins I’ll pass out at book signings or conventions. For my newest series I’m working on has superheroes and he’s making me character drawings I’m posting to my followers. If you want to check them out pop over and sign up for my newsletter or join my Facebook readers group.


How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have 3 books published. It’s a fully completed Sci-Fi series that has a Fantasy feel. THE BLOOD REGENT Trilogy. There is a short story tied to these books in the anthology EPHEMERA: LIFE LESSONS LEARNED. I have the first book in my next series completed but not published. I’m working on a prequel novella and book two for that series right now. I also will be in another anthology ALL THE PROMISES WE CANNOT KEEP coming out in November. My first series holds a special place in my heart as it was a labor of love over years, and BORN ROYAL was the thesis for my MFA, but superheroes are my favorite so this new series is currently top of my list and I’m having a blast writing it. It’s a love letter to all things anime.


 "Cover of the book 'Made Immortal' by Marissa Allen. The title appears at the top in bold, distressed white text with an orange underline against a dark blue sky filled with stars. Below, an ornate golden goblet, similar to a crown, is depicted exploding dramatically with golden shards flying outward, emitting rays of light. The goblet is adorned with red and blue gemstones and stands against a cityscape background with hints of purple fabric below. The author's name, Marissa Allen, is displayed at the bottom in matching distressed white text."

Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Don’t give up. Some days it’s hard, sometimes you’re your own worst enemy, but you’ve got this. If you don’t give up you’re already closer to your goals. Also finding your tribe is a life changer. Finding my first critique partners helped me learn a lot about myself and my writing. As well as learning about them, their process, and just getting an outside opinion can take you to the next level.


Do you like to create books for adults?

Most of my books are New Adult. I’ve always loved YA books. Yet now that I’m a bit older I really want my characters to be adults, even if young adults, to make them feel a bit more grounded. I like the combination of having a character who can make more informed decisions and having adult problems, with the fun feel of YA books.


What do you think makes a good story?

Making you care. If I can get invested in the characters or the plot catches my interest I’ll be in for the long haul. Also I’m always here for a fun twist on something I already love like storybook retellings.


Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Writing energizes me. Mainly because I’m extremely excited about what I’m writing. I think about the plot and what’s coming next literally every night while I close my eyes and work on going to sleep. I have a writing playlist that’s up to over 100 songs that I can put on and be pumped in a matter of minutes. The only time it exhausts me is if I’ve had a full writing day and I’ve been at it for hours on end and by that point I need a good ol’ stretch.


"Cover of the book 'Become Legend' by Marissa Allen. The title appears at the top in bold, distressed white text with red accents. Below, a silhouette of a woman with curly hair stands confidently with her hands on her hips, looking out over a burning cityscape filled with flames and debris. In the foreground, a shattered golden crown adorned with red and blue gemstones lies on the ground, glowing amidst the fiery chaos. The background features dark buildings engulfed in bright orange and red flames. The author's name, Marissa Allen, is displayed at the bottom in distressed white text."

What is the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything?

42 obviously. Douglas Adams is one of my favorite authors. I would kill to be as witty as he is. Outside of needing a towel at all times I think another answer might be believing in yourself. Each year I get older I realize how much I enjoy just being myself. Letting go of the worry of what others thought about me completely changed my life and I’m a much happier person for it. It’s also given me more confidence in my writing as well.


What does literary success look like to you?

People enjoying my writing. I write what I’d like to read so it’s always such an honor to know other people enjoyed it too.


What do you have coming next?

My superhero series has me incredibly pumped. It’s got a fun twist that the main character is the daughter of the most infamous supervillain, and all she’s ever wanted to do is save people. I love anime, and comics, and powers weather they be magic or super and this is my take on all of that. I think if you enjoy them too this is going to be right up your alley.

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